Gang alternative INC.'s project frontliners - project frontliners is a targeted youth substance use prevention initiative focused on mitigating the onset and progression of alcohol, marijuana, and…

Gang alternative INC.'s project frontliners - project frontliners is a targeted youth substance use prevention initiative focused on mitigating the onset and progression of alcohol, marijuana, and opioid use among black and brown minority youth residing in historically underserved communities in south florida. This program, operating in high crime, high poverty areas of broward county, aims to engage 200 students annually in grades 4-11, attending title 1 schools. Over the project's lifespan, a total of 1000 students will benefit from its comprehensive prevention programming. Leveraging the strategic prevention framework, project frontliners systematically collects and applies data to guide prevention efforts. This involves identifying specific substance misuse issues prevalent in the catchment area, strategically selecting intervention approaches, and continuously evaluating community progress. In addressing behavioral health disparities, project frontliners implements evidence-based youth substance use prevention programming. The initiative encompasses youth leadership development initiatives and the training of trusted adults in youth mental health first aid (50 per year; 250 for the project). Additionally, participating youth receive training in teen mental health first aid (25 per year; 125 for the project). The overarching goals of project frontliners are threefold. First, IT seeks to decrease youth substance use by implementing evidence-based programs that enhance protective factors. Second, IT aims to strengthen the capacity of trusted adults to detect early signs of mental health issues in youth. Lastly, the initiative endeavors to enhance the capacity of community-based organizations in broward county to leverage resources and optimize youth substance use prevention programming. Project frontliners is a vital initiative committed to fostering positive change and creating a resilient environment for minority youth in south florida.